State AGs Blast Sale in Data Breach Settlement

Ten state attorneys general have asked a federal court to reject TJX Cos.' proposed three-day "customer appreciation" sale as part of a settlement to help pay back customers hurt by a massive data breach, according to wire service reports.

The attorneys general say the 15%-off sale would do little to benefit affected customers, while the biggest benefit would be to the retailer's bottom line.

The company said computer hackers stole credit card from at least 45.7 million credit and debit cards over an 18-month period beginning in Dec. 2002 (Direct Newsline, March 30).

Also stolen during the period were drivers' license numbers and other personal data on 455 million people. This personal information was collected by TJX from customers who returned merchandise without a receipt.